Erikson’s psychosocial theory stands out due to its humanitarian perspective, expanding beyond the confines of psychoanalysis. Unlike Freud’s psychosexual theory, Erikson’s model integrates cultural and social dimensions of human development. His deep passion and empathy for people made his unique approach possible. Erikson’s research ventured into societies far removed from the more insular world of Freud’s psychoanalyst’s chair (Walkerdine, 2003). His primary interest lies in childhood development and its profound impact on adult society. Erikson’s psychological development stages are distinguished by their focus on the social aspects of the human psyche and the crucial role of interpersonal interactions in life.
Transition to the first stage
One of Erikson’s initial stages is the conflict of Autonomy vs. Doubt and Shame. This phase unfolds during early childhood, emphasizing cultivating a sense of personal control in children. During this period, children explore newfound freedom, engaging in independent actions and making simple decisions aligned with their interests. Encouraging a child to make decisions independently fosters a growing sense of autonomy. Notably, toilet training plays a pivotal role in this stage. Erikson contends that acquiring self-control leads to a balanced understanding of restraint and freedom. Children learn to exercise self-control over their desires, toy choices, and clothing preferences. Those who successfully navigate this stage develop feelings of security and self-confidence. Erikson posits that achieving equilibrium between independence, embarrassment, and uncertainty results in the belief that children can act purposefully, guided by motives and boundaries. Success at this stage instills profound determination (Walkerdine, 2003).
Transition to the practical aspects of this stage
Caregivers play a crucial role in this developmental stage by teaching children essential life skills such as brushing their teeth and washing their hands. Proper dental care is particularly significant, as neglect can lead to common issues like cavities. This phase marks transitioning from breastfeeding to using cups and other utensils for eating, and introducing toddlers to various foods, including cereals. Allergies may become evident during this period, occasionally resulting in vomiting due to a lower intake of essential vitamins. Additionally, offering toddlers a bottle of juice or milk before bedtime can lead to dental problems. It’s critical to note that toilet training is introduced during this stage, and rushing or pressuring the child can result in fixation.
Toddlers’ Exploration and Learning
During the toddler years, children embark on a journey of exploration and discovery. They transition from taking their first wobbly steps to becoming confident walkers. It’s a phase marked by frequent injuries as they become acquainted with their new environment. Toddlers gain a deeper understanding of the objects around them. Establishing a consistent bedtime routine, including activities like bathing, becomes crucial at this stage. An overtired toddler may exhibit decreased activity levels. Communication is primarily influenced by what the toddler hears, and they should learn to respond to their name, feed themselves, and master the skill of walking. Failure to respond to their name might signal sensory issues. It’s important to note that masturbation is a normal part of this stage as toddlers become curious about their bodies and functions. Additionally, toddlers exhibit a degree of fear and may cling to their parents for security. They also begin to learn the basics of right and wrong within the context of their homes.
Transition to the Stage of Initiative Versus Feeling Guilty
The subsequent stage, Initiative Versus Feeling Guilty, unfolds during preschool. Children in this phase emphasize their global influence through role-playing and imaginative play. Success in this stage fosters a sense of determination. Preschoolers become adept at communicating their needs to adults, including when they feel unwell. They also acquire a basic understanding of their bodily functions. A stable immune system is essential to prevent illness. Children may even participate in meal preparation, with their health influenced by the foods they consume.
Toilet training remains vital during this phase, as a lack of proper training can lead to hygiene issues such as failure to wash hands or flush the toilet after use. Additionally, it’s common for preschoolers to engage in play with imaginary friends, and those who play alone may face social challenges later in life. Curiosity peaks during this stage, leading children to ask numerous questions, although this rapid learning may result in a somewhat forgetful memory. Nightmares become more frequent, potentially impacting sleep patterns and daytime activity levels.
Children also begin to take an interest in dressing themselves and become sensitive to others’ opinions and judgments. They develop an understanding of gender differences in various roles and may exhibit curiosity about the opposite gender. Sometimes, they may daydream or withdraw if they resist following instructions. Additionally, they often attend religious services and adopt their parents’ religious beliefs. Exposure to harmful content on television can adversely affect their behavior and actions, making it crucial for caregivers to monitor their media consumption.
The Stage of Industry vs. Inferiority
This developmental stage unfolds during the early school years, typically ages 5 to 11. At this juncture, children begin to cultivate a sense of pride in their accomplishments and capabilities. Those who receive encouragement from parents or teachers develop a profound sense of competence and self-assurance in their abilities. As a result, self-confidence and proficiency emerge, enabling children to tackle various tasks confidently. Success during this stage nurtures a sense of empowerment.
Children in this phase also become increasingly interested in their bodily functions and grasp the importance of health. They acquire the ability to discern when they are unwell and in need of care. Cultural influences significantly shape their perceptions of health and illness. It is not uncommon for nurses to notice children who exhibit concern about their appearance and hygiene, often mirroring the behaviors they observe in their parents (Erikson, Jones, & Ditomassi, 2012).
Transition to Health and Dietary Awareness
During this stage, children frequently experience accidents and may require dental care, with the seriousness of their parents regarding health playing a crucial role. They start to distinguish between unhealthy and nutritious foods, and dietary habits adopted during this period can influence the risk of obesity. Similar to adults, they develop consistent elimination patterns and may complain about issues such as urination discomfort or pain due to constipation. Engaging in numerous activities becomes a common trait, with psychological pressure often linked to the behaviors of parents and coaches.
Transition to Cognitive and Social Development
As children’s cognitive abilities expand, their learning experiences become increasingly vital to prevent potential issues related to cognitive development. Sleep disturbances like sleep talking and sleepwalking may occur during this stage, necessitating parental observation to prevent injuries linked to sleepwalking. Children also begin to take an interest in their appearance, with those facing disabilities sometimes withdrawing and showing little concern for peer opinions. Friendship development becomes prominent, emphasizing the importance of parents avoiding unnecessary interference to prevent future complications.
Transition to Puberty and Emotional Challenges
The onset of sexual changes, such as breast development and the growth of pubic hair, may occur during this phase. Music can become a source of solace, aiding children in coping with stressors. The death of parents can lead to depression. Cultural and religious beliefs exert significant influence, shaping their moral compass. As children develop a clearer sense of right and wrong, some may disrespect others and their belongings.
Comparison and Contrast of Childhood Stages
The early stages of a child’s development are profoundly influenced by their environment, with elements such as culture, religion, values, and beliefs playing significant roles in shaping their growth and socialization (Erickson et al., 2012). Notably, there are distinctions in how children respond to issues related to health and their bodies, depending on their developmental stages. Toddlers and preschool-aged children rely on their parents’ substantial support as they navigate the journey of self-discovery and the ability to distinguish between right and wrong.
The Impact of Spirituality and Cultural Differences in Assessment
Nurses must be mindful of the parents’ presence when caring for toddlers and preschool-aged children, as these young patients often hold diverse beliefs influenced by their respective cultures. The paramount concern for the nurse is the child’s comfort (Erickson et al., 2012). Understanding how a child expresses pain is crucial before commencing treatment. Since many therapies necessitate the removal of the child’s clothing, it becomes essential for the nurse to ensure both the parent and the child feel at ease with this process. Offering the child an opportunity to interact with the treatment instruments can alleviate their anxiety, making them feel like an active participant in their care.
In conclusion, a person’s developmental journey is marked by encounters with various crises, which can positively and negatively impact personality development. These crises are often termed “psychosocial nature crises” because they straddle the line between the psychological needs of society and those of the individual. According to this theory, successfully navigating each stage contributes to cultivating a resilient character and healthy self-esteem. Essential qualities are formed during these stages, which the ego can subsequently employ to overcome future challenges. Failure to successfully progress through these stages can hinder one’s ability to tackle later life stages, potentially affecting one’s overall temperament and sense of identity. However, it is essential to note that these developmental stages can still be effectively addressed and resolved later in life.